OBJECTION TO REFEREE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21564, 8 August 1933, Page 6

OBJECTION TO REFEREE

TEAM REFUSES TO PLAIY

NELSON RUGBY INCIDENT OPPONENTS TAKE MATCH [by telegraph —own correspondent] NELSON, Monday An incident unprecedented in local [Rugby football occurred on Saturdaj. As a protest against the referee appointed for the match, the Pir.iws senior Rugby team refused to take the field against Rivals at Trafalgar Park. Pirates and B-'yals were the two leading teams in the senior championship, and their meeting had attracted a fair number of spectators to witness the match, but all the spectators saw after a wait of 20 minutes was Rivals kick off and score a try unopposed, to win the game and make the team even with Pirates at the head of tho competition, each team now having nine points. Early in the week the referees' appointments were announced, Mr. P. Westrupp being allotted the control of the Pirates-Rivals game. The appointment was made by the Refer6es' Appointment Board, and approved by a sub-committee of the Nelson Rugby Union. However," when the Pirate Club learned of the appointment the players held a meeting and decided not to take tho field under Mr. Westrupp. The club informed the union of its decision on Wednesday. It is understood a special meeting of the union committee was held, and as a result the appointment of another referee was requested, but the request was refused.

The Pirate players came in from tho country and were all ready to play at the park, but as there was no change in the referee they adhered to their decision. At 2.50 o'clock the Rivals team and Mr. Westrupp went on to the field, and the referee whistled for the other team. There was no response, in spite of appeals to the Pirates by officials of the union. After waiting T on the field the 15 minutes required by the rules Rivals kicked off unopposed and scored a try. Thus the game began and ended. It was suggested the teams should play a friendly game, the result not to count in the championship, but this did not eventuate. It was then announced that Pirates had forfeited, and that spectators who wished their entrance money refunded could collect ,it at the gate. A fair number left the ground, but most remained to watch a junior game. There is considerable speculation as to what effect the incident will have on the Nelson representative team which is due to play West Coast at Greymouth next Saturday .for the Seddon Shield. There are several Pirate players in the team, and there is much interest in the possibility that their position may be affected as a result of the Rugby Union's consideration of Saturday's incident.